The Edward Marsh Centre – heating system, Marsh Recreation Grounds & Community Centre Trust (Trading as The Edward Marsh Centre), Stourbridge

This is a project to partially replace The Edward Marsh Centre’s heating system with air-source heating units. Originally operating with two gas boilers, the centre installed air-source heat wall-mounted units in some rooms last year after one boiler failed. These units have proven effective and energy-efficient, aligning with the centre’s phased sustainability strategy. However, the remaining 35-year-old gas boiler frequently malfunctions, with replacement parts no longer available. Without a functional heating system, the centre will be forced to close key areas, significantly disrupting activities and impacting the local community.

The Edward Marsh Centre serves as a vital hub for Kinver and surrounding areas, offering indoor and outdoor spaces for a wide range of activities, including sports, social gatherings, educational programs, and cultural events. It is the only facility of its kind in the region, featuring a community café, youth engagement programs, and mentored placements for neurodiverse individuals in collaboration with Ruskin Mill Trust. The centre also provides part-time employment for four neurodiverse young people and holds the prestigious King’s Award for Volunteering Excellence.

With limited recreational opportunities in the village and lengthy travel times to the nearest town, the centre plays a crucial role in preventing social isolation, particularly among young people and older residents. Over the past year, it has welcomed more than 103,000 visitors, facilitated 4,896 hours of booked usage, and hosted 50 regular user groups. Its offerings, which include fitness classes, community meetings, theatre productions, and essential health services, significantly contribute to the health and well-being of the local and wider community. However, frequent heating failures have already led to cancelled classes and events, jeopardising the centre’s ability to operate fully, particularly in colder months.